Thank you to donors
BySeptember 6, 2009
Dear sponsors:
Summer is behind us and the kids are settled back in school so I, finally, have time to sit down and write to you.
My reason for writing is simple. I/we want to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for your generous financial support so that we were able to host our 15 year old Ukrainian girl, Veronika, this summer. We felt truly blessed and that it was God’s will to have her come and become part of our family for six weeks.
Veronika, along with most other orphans, has experienced a very negative view of a family or a loving home. It wasn’t until about 3 weeks into the summer that her hard outer, negative, independent shell broke and we were able to see her inner softer, loving, helpful and compassionate side.
It was especially difficult at departure for us this year. She expressed a desire to stay in America and I think she knew that it would be very hard for her to return because of her age and the rules and regulations in the Ukraine. Steve and I struggled parting from her because we knew what she was going back to, unlike our previous host girl, Nadia, who had a loving family and home to go back to. We keep a picture of her on our refrigerator and it is a wonderful reminder to say a quick prayer for her and I hope you will do the same.
I could ramble on and on but I wanted to get this to you before Thanksgiving :)
As I said before, my writing was simple, to let you know how you made it possible for this young girl to come to America and experience the true meaning of a family and that she is loved.
Blessings and hugs to you!
Steve and Mary Jo Halvorson and family
November 2009
Dear Ones,
Thank you for the privilege to invest in one of God’s special people—Katya staying with us this summer was both rewarding and challenging.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn from others, as we seek to “not grow weary in doing good”, and take each day as a chance to make someone else’s life richer and more meaningful.
The gift of the Ukrainian Bible to Katya was especially valuable to her and I pray God will speak to her so clearly through His word. She will be in Eternity because of your generosity.
Working together to see His will in heaven accomplished here on earth—
Gratefully, the Niclas Family
To Our Gracious Sponsors,
I would like to express my gratitude for your generous donations that have helped families like ours be able to host children from Ukraine and Belarus. Because of your assistance, we were able to invite a young boy into our home. This experience, no doubt, has changed our lives and his forever. The love within the walls of our home is immeasurable; however, the finances are quite calculable. This opportunity truly was a blessing for both us, and our host child (Slavka).
Before his arrival, we sent Slavka pictures of our home and family as well as a letter just telling a little about us. The children all bonded instantly. Within days my youngest asked me when Slavka had to go home, he told me he wanted to “keep him” forever and he loved him. Over the next few weeks, Slavka truly became a member of the family. It was as if he had always lived with us, he fit.
While in our home, Slavka received necessary medical and dental care. We also attended bible camp and church. It is here I realized how much love we really have in our family. The children were all asked if there was ever a time in their life when they did not feel loved. Slavka said he has never felt love until he came to America to be with us. We were able to give Slavka something that will never be lost from his heart. We were able to give him genuine Love, and Hope for a better tomorrow. No matter how hard it was to send him home, I thank God for bringing him to us every day.
It was only because of your sponsorship we were able to touch the life of this young boy. We have formed a lifelong bond with him and been in continual contact since his departure. We are truly grateful for your support.
Blessings and Thanks,
The Sotebeer’s
